You have reconstituted into the same membrane vesicles purified bacteriorhodopsi

Question

You have reconstituted into the same membrane vesicles purified bacteriorhodopsin, which is a light-drive H+ pump from a photosynthetic bacterium, and purified ATP synthase from ox heart mitochondria. Assume that all molecules of and ATP synthase are oriented as shown in the figure below, so that protons are pumped into the vesicle and ATP synthesis occurs on the outer surface. If you add ADP and phosphate to the external medium and shine light into the suspension of vesicles, would you expect ATP to be synthesized? Why? If you prepared the vesicles without being careful to remove all the detergent, which makes the bilayer leaky to protons, would you expect ATP to be synthesized? Why? You tell a friend over dinner about your new experiments. He questions the validity of the approach that utilizes components from so widely divergent, unrelated organisms. As he puts it, "Why would anybody want to mix vanilla pudding with brake fluid?" Defend your approach against his criticism.

Explanation / Answer

a. ATP synthesis will occur due to the presence of ATP synthase and electron gradient.

b. ATP synthesis will not occur due to lack of protons.

C. In the normal condition there is no need for it. In case of dysfunction it could act as an alternative methodology for survival, provided if it is proved to be working efficiently and safely.

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